Distracted Driving Can Be Dangerous - Especially If You Are On A Motorcycle

A lot of focus has been on distracted driving over the last few years. While the majority of this focus is on the motor vehicle operators who are engaged in other activities besides driving, this behavior also affects motorcycle drivers in more ones than one. When motorcyclists are distracted not only are they at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident, but their lives may literally be at stake. It does not matter if you ride your motorcycle every day, or just on occasions, making sure you are not distracted, as well as being aware of other distracted drivers could save your life.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a person's attention away from the task of driving. In 2013, various distractions killed 3,154 people and was the cause of approximately 424,000 people being injured.

There are three basic types of distractions. These include

• Visual - This includes anything that takes the driver's eyes off of the road.
• Manual - This includes anything that takes the driver's hands off of the wheel. 
• Mental - This is anything that takes the driver's mind off driving.

Some tasks drivers engage in while distracted only involve one of these types, but many tasks such as texting, cell phone usage, and watching videos, can involve all three. Other forms of distraction include

• Reading
• Adjusting the radio or other vehicle systems
• Grooming
• Entertaining your passengers
• Eating and drinking, and more

Although drivers in their 20s make up approximately 27 percent of the distracted drivers who are involved in fatal crashes, distractions can plague any driver at any time.

What Impact Does Distracted Driving Have On Motorcyclist?

Because, as a motorcyclist, you do not have the protection of metal frames and air bags surrounding you, you are at a much higher risk of being injured if you are involved in an accident. This accident could be caused by a distraction on your part or on the part of another driver.

Another risk to motorcyclists is the fact that vehicle drivers who are distracted by other activities have a greater chance of simply not seeing you while you are out on the road. It has been shown that approximately 42% of two-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes involved drivers who turn left and cross your path. This makes it even more important that you are extra vigilant when you are on your bike. Even if they do not see you, if you are able to anticipate their actions in enough time, you may be able to avoid an accident. 

Avoiding distractions will allow you to keep your focus on the road. The last thing you want to do is to have a single vehicle accident in a situation that you could have easily avoided. Focusing on the road will help you to identify and avoid road defects, hazards and debris that could be the cause of an accident.

What Is Being Done To Help Eliminate Distracted Driving?

Many states have begun to put laws and place targeting distracted driving by banning cell phone use and text messaging. While these are two of the primary reasons why people are distracted, as already stated they are not the only reasons, but at least these laws are in place.

You could even see other laws and regulations put in place as a result of the crash data on distracted driving that is collected at the scenes of many accidents. Unfortunately, these laws may not take place until many other lives are lost. 

You have to do your part to ensure you are not one of these statistics when you are out on your bike. Make sure you are not guilty of distracted driving and look out for other drivers who may be. If you have been injured due to the distracted driving behavior of another driver, you need to immediately seek out the services of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. They will review your case and help you to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Contact a firm like Scherline And Associates for more information.